Kilifi: Kilifi County, in partnership with the World Bank, is implementing Sh2.58 billion water reticulation projects, according to Governor Gideon Mung’aro. The Governor stated that his administration, with the support of the international lender, was undertaking significant water projects in Malindi, Kilifi, and Mtwapa towns in a bid to enhance water reticulation by installing new pipelines to replace old ones.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Mung’aro emphasized the county’s strategic investment in water infrastructure. ‘We have invested Sh580 million through the World Bank here in Kilifi town, Sh1.2 billion in Malindi, and Sh800 million in Mtwapa for water reticulation,’ he said. He further elaborated on the construction of a Sh200 million, 5 million-litre water tank in Mtepeni ward and another 2.5 million-litre water tank in Buni, Rabai, costing about Sh90 million, while a 32-kilometre pipeline is being laid within Kilifi town.
The Governor explained that the infrastructure would ensure water availability even during rationing periods. ‘We are doing this so that even during water rationing, people will continue to have water from the storage facilities. For instance, if we ration water for four days per week, the five million-litre water tank will be able to supply water for the remaining days,’ he explained.
Mung’aro addressed allegations regarding a Sh19 million water project in Chamari village, Magarini constituency, which reportedly ran dry shortly after commissioning. Last week, a section of the media quoted individuals claiming to be Chamari residents, stating that the area had received water for only two days after the commissioning ceremony before the taps ran dry. The governor refuted these claims, clarifying that the water supply was part of a scheduled rationing programme managed by the Coast Water Works Development Agency.
Additionally, Governor Mung’aro highlighted a new Sh50 million water project in Garashi aimed at improving water pumping to the area, which currently receives water from the Baricho Water Works in Langobaya division, Malindi Sub County.
